“It’s a special place,” the legendary American designer Ralph Lauren told ELLE DECOR back in 2005.
Ralph Lauren, the epitome of American luxury, has long captivated the world with his impeccable taste and design aesthetic. Beyond the fashion empire, Lauren’s homes serve as tangible extensions of his brand, offering a glimpse into a world of refined elegance and timeless style. Among his many properties, the Montauk getaway stands as a testament to his incredible taste. Today, we’re going back in time to 2005, revisiting the legendary Montauk getaway of American designer Ralph Lauren.
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Venturing east on Route 27, past the manicured estates of Southampton and the modernist homes of Amagansett, the landscape transforms. Towering pines and wild roses replace manicured lawns as the road winds towards Montauk Point. Here, hidden amidst the dunes, lies a cedar-shingle house, its presence barely discernible through the dense foliage. The only sound to break the tranquility is the rhythmic cadence of the ocean waves.
Originally constructed in 1940 by renowned architect Antonin Raymond, a former collaborator of Frank Lloyd Wright, the house seamlessly blends into its coastal surroundings. With its cedar shingles, stone walls, and expansive fireplaces, the home exudes a sense of warmth and comfort. Raymond’s signature attention to detail is evident in the meticulously crafted built-in cabinetry, reminiscent of the precision found in yacht design.
Remarkably, this Montauk retreat has remained largely untouched despite the passage of time and the Lauren family’s ownership for over two decades. In an era characterized by the relentless pursuit of larger, more opulent homes, the decision to preserve this coastal sanctuary is a testament to its enduring charm and the family’s deep connection to the place.
“So many creative people summered there in the past: Diana Ross and John Lennon, who used to record there.”
The Montauk home has retained its original charm while incorporating Ralph Lauren’s signature style. The interior features a harmonious blend of vintage and contemporary elements, with pale woods, bamboo, and crisp linens creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The home’s original golden gum plywood ceilings and floors have been restored, preserving the authentic character of the space. This thoughtful preservation of the house’s heritage is a testament to its enduring appeal as a peaceful retreat.
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The living and dining rooms retain their original charm, with meticulously preserved cabinetry and sliding glass doors adding to the home’s authentic character. The stone fireplace, warmed by countless fires, and gently worn steps contribute to the lived-in feel of the space. Downstairs, the primary bedroom offers a peaceful retreat, complete with a spacious tester bed, a cozy fireplace, and an adjoining bathroom. A small den filled with family photos adds a personal touch, reinforcing the home’s status as a cherished family sanctuary.
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The entire property is nestled within a compact footprint, with the secluded pool tucked away amidst the pines and rhododendrons. The intimate scale of the buildings, characterized by low ceilings, warm woods, and rugged stonework, evokes the raw beauty of the coastal landscape. This connection to nature is further emphasized by the surrounding dunes, twisted pines, and the evocative photography of Edward and Ansel Adams displayed throughout the home.
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The home’s design allows for seamless indoor-outdoor living, with large windows that can be opened to welcome the summer breeze. However, the house is equally inviting during the winter months when the fireplace creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. As Ralph Lauren notes, “There is something serene and rejuvenating about being there during the winter, when the air is so crisp.”
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Ralph Lauren, synonymous with American luxury, embodies a unique blend of sophistication and understated elegance. His Montauk retreat exemplifies this duality. While the home boasts a grandeur associated with aristocratic living, its essence lies in its harmonious coexistence with the surrounding natural environment. Lauren’s appreciation for the simple pleasures of coastal life is evident in the house’s design, which prioritizes comfort and connection to nature over ostentatious display. This balance between opulence and simplicity is the hallmark of Ralph Lauren’s enduring appeal.
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